Utilization of instructional aids in enhancing Teaching and learning of biology in secondary Schools in ilala municipality, dar es salaam

The purpose of this study was to investigate the utilization of instructional aids in enhancing teaching and learning of Biology in secondary schools in Ilala Municipality in Dar es Salaam Region. The study was guided by four research objectives. First, to examine the status of biology instructional aids in secondary schools. Secondly, to explore teachers and students’ involvement in the preparation and utilization of instructional aids. Thirdly, to examine school environment in supporting the preparation and use of instructional aids, and fourthly, to explore challenges teachers face in the preparation and use of Biology instructional aids. The study utilized a qualitative approach with a case study design. The study was conducted in three private secondary schools and three government secondary schools in Ilala Municipality. The sample comprised of 76 participants who were mainly purposively selected. Categorically, there were 20 biology graduate teachers, 6 heads of school, 2 school inspectors and 48 students. Data were collected through interviews, focus group discussion, observation and documentary review. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis in order to draw inferences related to the study objectives. The findings revealed that there was inadequacy in instructional aids. The few available were damaged and incomplete in most secondary schools especially in the government owned secondary schools. The findings further revealed that rarely teachers used instructional aids in teaching and learning and involvement of students in preparation and use of instructional aids was minimal. The study also showed that the government failed to supply enough instructional aids in her schools due to little budget and capitation funds. Finally, teachers and students faced several challenges with regard to production and use of instructional aids including, inadequate instructional aids, lack of funds, insufficient knowledge on how to produce instructional aids and lack of motivation/incentives to teachers. These challenges, in turn, hindered teachers’ effective involvement in the preparation and use of instructional aids. The study concludes that, inadequate instructional aids, lack of knowledge and motivation to teachers limit students’ creativity and participation in learning. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education Science and Technology and other education stakeholders should provide instructional aids needed for teaching and learning process. Also school administration should support and encourage teachers to use their environment to produce and use instructional aids and rewards committed teachers who excel on the preparation and use of instructional aids. Furthermore, it is recommended that further research be done on the preparation and use of instructional aids in other secondary schools subjects.